Today is Earth Day

Earth Day is observed annually to create awareness for the Earth's natural environment.

Began by U.S. Sen. Gaylor Nelson, the first official Earth Day was held April 22, 1970. Today, it is celebrated around the world to encourage people to focus on environmental issues and demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

Locally, the Earth Day Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30 at Loranger Square in downtown Monroe. In case of rain, the event will be held at Monroe City Hall, 120 E. First St.

The fair will feature educational demonstrations, tours of Lake Erie Transit's hybrid bus, entertainment, and displays and activities focused on topics such as recycling, composting, energy efficiency, green living, and much more.

For more information on Earth Day, visit www.earthday.org.

Waterloo again a 'Green School'

For a second year, Waterloo Elementary School has earned a Michigan Green School certification.

The school will be recognized for its efforts at the Monroe County Earth Day Expo.

Recycling is a big reason. Last year, the school earned more than $600 from a regional recycling firm and a regional telephone company.

Earlier this year, the school collected the second-highest number of phone books for recycling in the county, which earned $300 from AT&T. With the help of neighbors, the school located at 1933 S. Custer Rd. filled two large Dumpsters with phone books to be recycled.

Kim Pearch, a second/third grade teacher, is the adviser for the school's "Green Team" of students.

"It is imperative that we teach our youth about the importance or recycling because it will impact their future," she said in a statement. "Perhaps educating our students who truly care about our planet will encourage them to create new and innovative ways to recycle items here in our own country. These are teachable moments that are priceless."

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